Brutus: Nobility even in Treason

 

 

Many scholars of Shakespeare believe that his play The Tragedy of Julius Caesar would be better titled The Tragedy of Marcus Brutus. The plot follows Brutus’ journey from loyal senator to conspiratorial traitor, and focuses more on Brutus’ words and actions than those of Caesar. Brutus is admired by all the characters, even those who fight against him, as is evidenced by Mark Antony’s speech at the end of the play. Antony calls Brutus noble, gentle, and a man to be admired by all, and for good reason.

            Brutus is, at the beginning of the play, the archetypal Roman senator: brave, intelligent, and loyal. He loves Caesar almost as much as he loves Rome, and is loved, respected, and trusted by all others. He is “Caesar’s angel,” the flower of the Roman Republic.

            However, his nobility is not a strong enough shield to protect him against pride and the dangers of self-confidence. Cassius’ words make him think of possibilities for greatness, but he believes that conspiring with the others will only bring greater good to the Republic. After all, he who would seek a crown seeks also to overturn the Republic, according to Brutus’ thoughts and the ideas planted in his mind by Cassius.

            He is a gentleman in word and deed, even when plotting the assassination of great Caesar. He insists upon doing the deed correctly, not mangling the body past recognition. Also, he refuses to allow his fellow conspirators to murder Mark Antony, who is loyal to Caesar, simply because Antony did nothing that Brutus considered worthy of death. In his noble benevolence, he even allows Antony to speak at Caesar’s funeral, which folly he will later regret, for Antony has a gift with words to make the stones rise up in righteous anger. Even so, he never reneges on his word, for Antony vowed only to speak no evil of the conspirators, nor too great good of Caesar.

            Even when he is come to death, Brutus’ actions are honorable, if not filled with the sort of bravery respected most today. Instead of allowing himself to be captured, brought to trial, and executed for treason, he runs upon his sword.

            Brutus is known to this day as the once-loyal comrade and senator whose very treason revealed the extent of his nobility. To be admired and respected even by one’s enemies shows the greatness of a man’s soul. His words and deeds professed his gentility and courage, which made him noble in all manners, erasing even the stain of treason.